One of the
many great and useful lessons learned in Scouting is that of commitment and
follow through. The Scout Law is based
on the development of hard work, focus, good character, excellence, and
determination. The motto, "Be
Prepared" is the belief that when you ready yourself for anything you can
achieve anything. This basic principle
is also the basic principle of success in life.
Boy Scout founder, Lord Robert
Baden-Powell defined the motto of Be Prepared this way: “Be Prepared... the
meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking
out and practice how to act on any
accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.” Two very
important principles stand out there and every Scout knows them well. One is:
Be ready for anything. And the other: Never be caught by surprise.
Scouts are taught to think
things out. They must know not just what will happen but what could happen.
This practice is vital to life after Scouting as well. Success-minded people
learn to think things through. They are not afraid to take risks, but they are
calculated risks. Success comes by always being a few steps ahead of the next
guy. That takes commitment and a willingness to do what it takes to succeed. Here
are a few keys to help you be prepared.
“Success is available to everyone who commits to being successful.”
– Earl Nightingale
(1921-1989)
Author/Radio
Broadcaster
Key # 1 Commit to hard work
Anyone who tells you that you
can achieve your dreams and succeed in life in your spare time or take an easy way is lying to you. There is only one way to success and that is my daily, constant and deliberate hard
work. Once the success-minded person
understands that, they have no problem with doing what is necessary, and more,
to achieve their goals. Hard work is not
a bad thing to be avoided but the first and most important key to success in
any area of life.
Key # 2 Commit to a focused desire
Baseball great Yogi Barra was
right when he said, "If you don't know where you are going, how will you
know when you get there?" A goal is
a specific point that you are looking to arrive at. No one can achieve success if they do not have
a focused desire to go after. It is like
saying you will go "anywhere".
Anywhere is no different than
nowhere. I have coached many young
people who say they are looking for a job.
When asked what kind of job, they will tell you "anything". I always remind them that
"anything" is not a job. Be
focused on what you want to achieve and
you will find it.
Key # 3 Commit to good character
There is a reason that Scouting
puts so much value on qualities like being trustworthy, loyal, courteous, kind
and more. These are the qualities of a
good character, a person of integrity and solid moral values. Success is never about wealth, power or recognition. Success is always about you. Who you are, who you become and how you touch
the world you live in is far more important than what you earn or who knows
your face.
Key # 4 Commit to excellence
Never settle for anything less
than your best. To just get by is not a
goal in life, it is an excuse for accepting what others decide you should
be. You were created to be great and to
do extraordinary things. Don't believe
that? Try and find out just how
extraordinary you really are. Do
everything - I mean EVERYTHING - the
best you can and see if you do not go to the top in life. No one is looking for a mediocre worker or
leader. Be excellent and you will see
that you are in high demand.
Key # 5 Commit to staying with it
Zig Ziglar used to say, "The winner is not the one
who is the best, but the one who does not give up." Success-minded people know that they can
never think they have the luxury to give up.
If things fail - they try again.
If there is a setback - they move forward. If there is a decision to make - they make
it. The one thing successful people will
not do is give up. Stay with it to the
end and you will always achieve the success you seek - and much, much more.
You
matter! You matter to the world and to
yourself. Remember to be your best, love
God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.
Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal
blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal
development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy
Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the
Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting
for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development
Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more
from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to
your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com. © 2019 John Patrick Hickey
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